Blog #2
Control Panel Prototype
Motivation
Panel boards that integrate into the RTB ecosystem via my EDG bus. Like any other EDG module, panel modules also feature on-the-fly firmware update via the bus.
Example: For each of the three layout segments there is a local panel that allows the control of the trains in front of the system.
Electrical
While EDG modules operate at a 3.3V logic level, the CTC panel modules run at a 5V logic level. Two reasons: First, the microcontroller used by the CTC modules (Mega 480x) requires 5V to run at 20MHz. Secondly, many third party breadboards also require 5V.
The C32 module does level shifting,
Mechanical
The PCBs of the panel are 1.6 mm thick. LEDs and tactile switches have approximately the same height and can be mounted on the same boards. For better light distribution, white acrylic blinds are applied to the LEDs. Rotary encoders, sensor buttons and possible other input devices come in various physical dimensions. For this reason, they are each housed on a separate circuit board.
Bezel
Finally, the panel circuit boards are covered by a white PCB with the track layout as silk screen. Below an example of a simple bezel,
- test circle
- divided into 4 feedback sections (B00, B01, B02, B03)
- two OLED cutouts on each of the straights with tactile buttons on each sides
